The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-13
CHAPTER ".

1 had been greatly struck by the
manner in which Miss Robertson had
received the CHASTITY bit of information
gave her Such a character as this
was thought the true type of heroine
l had especially noticed the quick
ness with which she had conceived and
expressed that idea about her father re-
warding the men; 1t inspirited me, in
spite Of the reception Stevens had
given it. One hundred pounds a man
was a promise that might move them
into a very different train of thought
from what Stevens had induced and
was sustaining.
Having heard the carpenter enter
his cabin, | determined to step on deck
and take the boatswain's sense on this
new idea But before leaving the
cuddy knocked lightly on Miss Rob-
ertson's door and when she opened it
invited her to come on deck. She
turned to look at her father, who was
sleeping quietly, then closed the door
softly and accompanied me.
The bOatswain glanced at her re-
specially as we appeared, and stepped
to his side and asked him to come and
-Stdnu near MISS MORRISON.
He did so, and l said to him in low
voice: Il have told this lady what you
repeated TO me at breakfast. She is
full of courage, and l have asked her
to come on deck that we may talk be-
fore her"
/" If she's as brave as she's pretty,
reckon not many'll carry stOuter hearts
in 'em than her." he said, addressing
her full, with an air of respectable gal
lantry that was very taking.
She looked down with q smile.
Boatswain," said |, "every hour is
precious to us, for at any moment
Stevens may change the ships course
for closer shore than the American;
and though we should hold on for the
Gulf, it may take us all our time to hit
on a scheme to save ourselves and work
it out. have come to TIL YOU an idea
suggested by this lady, Miss Robertson.
Her father is a rich man. owner of the
vessel he was wrecked in
Robertson 81 Co., of Liverpool,
ship-brokers?" he interrupted. address
ing her.
Yes" she replied.
"Why, l sailed in one o. the firms
vessels as boson's mate, three years
ago-the Albany she WAS called. and a
very comfortable ship she was, well
found and properly commanded.
Indeed" she exclaimed, brighten
ing up and looking at him eagerly
And then, rejecting little, she said:
The Albany-that ship was COM
manded by Captain Tribett.'
Quite right miss; Tribett was the
name. And the first mates name was
Green, and the seconds Gull. and the
the thlrd-ah! he were Captain Tri-
belts son-same name, of course.
Well. blow me if this amt wot the
Italians call a cOhincidence."
He was as pleased as she, and stood
grinning on her.
Bosom" said !, addressing him with
my eyes on the deck, so that from
distance l would not appear to be
speaking, Miss Robertson told Ste
vens that her father would handsomely
reward every man on board this ship
on her arrival in port He asked her
what her father would give. and she
said hundred pounds to each man. If |
this We're repeated to the crew, what |
effect would it producer"
'They wouldn't believe it. ="
my father would give each man q !
promise in writing" she exclaimed.
"They wouIdn trust him." said tae
boatswain, without rejecting. They'd |
think it a roose to bring EN- together |
to give them into custody. If I was
one of them, that's what l should |
think. and You may be sure I'm
right"
But he would give them written or
'ders on his bankers; they could not
think it a ruse, she said. eagerly, evil
IDENTIFY enamored of her own idea, since
she saw that l entertained it.
Sailors don't know nothing about |
banks and the likes of that miss.
There are thirteen men in the ships
company, counting the cook and the
steward. Call 'em twelve. II YOUR
father had bag of sovereigns on board
his vessel, and counted out hundred
TO each man, then they'd believe HIN.
But I'd not believe them They'd take
the money and scuttle the ship all the
same Don't make no mistake. THEY'RE
fond o their wagabone lives, and the
given 'em such talkin' to
that they're precious keen on gettin'
away and cuttin' off all evidence. 1t
'ud take more than hundred pounds
each man to make EN- willing to risk
their lives
He walked away and stood lounging
aft. chatting with Fish.
am afraid the bosom is right"